Staff Training Research Articles

Development Strategy School Financial Resilience in Yogyakarta Private High School

The success of educational institutions in providing quality services is influenced by various factors, including planning, facilities, human resources, and financial support. This research focuses on school financial management, emphasizing the importance of financial resilience to support operational resilience and sustainability, especially in private schools with limited funds. Financial resilience is the capacity of an institution to survive and adapt to financial challenges, which includes effective and efficient management of income and expenditure. This research uses qualitative methods with a descriptive approach to explore strategies for developing financial resilience at SMA Muhammadiyah 1 Yogyakarta. Data was collected through observation, semi-structured interviews, and document study, and analyzed using triangulation techniques to ensure the validity of the information. The main focus of research is on absorptive, adaptive and transformative strategies in school financial management. Absorptive strategies emphasize the importance of effective budget planning and evaluation. Adaptive strategies include the use of financial information systems and the involvement of external parties. Transformative strategies involve student service innovation, awards, and seeking additional funding Research findings show that SMA Muhammadiyah 1 Yogyakarta has succeeded in overcoming financial challenges through good management and implementing innovative strategies. This research recommends regular evaluation of financial management systems, staff training, and collaboration with other educational institutions to improve financial management strategies. It is hoped that further research can contribute to the development of policies and best practices in educational financial management.

Key Considerations in Integrating a Peer Support Model Within Psychiatric Emergency Services at a Canadian Pediatric Emergency Department: A Qualitative Study.

Difficulties accessing primary care and community-based mental health supports has contributed toyouth (aged < 18years) with mental health concerns presenting to Emergency Departments (EDs). Peer support services in community-based mental health settings areassociated with improved outcomes; research exploring this in pediatric EDs is lacking. Determinefeasibility and acceptability of integrating peer support services into a pediatric ED. 13 peer support workers (PSWs) and 30 mental health providers andstakeholders participated in interviews or focus groups. Using codebookthematic analysis,recommendations for integrationwere identified. Key recommendations were:clear conceptualization of youth and family peer support, effective communication pathways between the multidisciplinary team and PSWs, provision of training for ED staff to ensure workplace readiness for peer support, and consistent support for PSWs. Integration of peer support into pediatric EDs offers a feasible andacceptable way to support youth experiencing mental health crises.

СОЦИАЛИЗАЦИЯ ДЕТЕЙ С ОГРАНИЧЕННЫМИ ВОЗМОЖНОСТЯМИ ЗДОРОВЬЯ В УСЛОВИЯХ ИНКЛЮЗИВНОГО ЛАГЕРЯ: ОПЫТ И ПРАКТИКИ

The article deals with the process of socialisation of people with disabilities in the conditions of an inclusive camp. It describes the main methods and approaches used within the framework of the camp programme, which were aimed at the adaptation of children with disabilities, through mixed-type sites, off-line and on-line. The inclusive camp was realised in two main modules. The first module was held on-line for seven months. A programme of lessons, a common chat room and a workbook were developed for the project participants. The second module was an offsite creative school. As part of the inclusive camp, training in the educational programme ‘Inclusive counselor’ was conducted, and a set of activities for parents of children with special needs was developed. The final stage of the inclusive camp was a creative festival. The study highlights the importance of an inclusive approach in organising leisure and recreation for all project participants, which helps to break stereotypes and develop a tolerant attitude. The paper also presents the challenges and problems faced by the organisers of an inclusive camp. The authors emphasise the importance of professional training of camp staff in creating an inclusive shift. The article can serve as a useful resource for teachers and psychologists, parents, and all those interested in aspects of inclusion and socialisation of children with disabilities. The conclusion is that the organisation of an inclusive camp is an important step towards full integration of children into society and contributes to their emotional and social development.

Effect of Staff Digital Literacy on Customs Goods Clearance at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Kenya

Purpose: The clearance of imported goods at airports used the risk-based management customs systems of clearance to enhance faster clearance of goods from air cargo complexes, the use of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), there was quick cargo clearance of perishable cargo, and uniform and simple procedure of cargo handling. There were e-payment systems that enhanced faster clearances with an overall aim of minimizing dwell time of cargo to be handled at the airport's storage complexes. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of staff digital literacy on customs goods clearance at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Kenya. Methodology: This study employed an explanatory research design. The target population of the study was 245 KRA employees. Data was collected using questionnaires. The data were coded and entered into the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Collected data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The findings showed that staff digital literacy had a positive and significant effect on customs goods clearance (β=0.485, p=0.000). Conclusion: KRA needs to engage its staff in digital literacy training. Furthermore, gaining digital literacy skills helps staff to make use of all that technology has to offer in terms of learning, creativity, and teamwork, which enhances their custom goods clearances even more.

The role of web applications in the development of multilingual competence in CLIL courses in higher education

The purpose of the work is to determine the role of web technologies to ensure the formation of multilingual competence within the CLIL approach. For this purpose, a survey was conducted among students of various specialties, however, with a special emphasis on students of technical universities. The survey was conducted among 58 students. Questionnaires were used, including questions about the use of web applications in various forms of education. The results of the survey showed the high efficiency of using web applications in CLIL courses for the formation of both language competence and subject knowledge. The CLIL method combined with modern web applications proved to be an effective tool in the students' learning process. The implementation of the program of this approach allows not only the problem of educational overload, but also the strengthening of the general development of students, including their language skills. In the conclusions, it is noted that for the successful implementation of the CLIL program, it is necessary to provide students with essential terms and to acquire a foreign language and the availability of trained teaching staff.

Palliative and End of Life Care: An Important Component of Supportive Oncology.

Palliative care, an integral component of supportive oncology, enhances the quality of life for patients living with cancer. Whilst palliative care has historically been synonymous with the provision of care at the end of life, it is increasingly playing a role earlier in a patient's cancer journey; frequently in conjunction with administration of anticancer treatment. Although early integration has been shown to improve patient outcomes, service development remains in its infancy and consideration of challenges bears relevance. Addressing issues pertaining to resource allocation in addition to adequate training of staff will aid to ensure the provision of care that aligns with the goals and priorities of patients. This review presents the role of early palliative care within the realm of supportive oncology with respect to the evidence of benefit and ethical, clinical and practical considerations. Relevant papers have been chosen for inclusion on the basis of clinical relevance, timeliness and relevance to cancer patients and clinical teams involved in their care.

Impacto de la Automatización en la Auditoría: Ventajas y Desafíos

Automation in auditing represents a fundamental transformation, allowing for improved operational efficiency and accuracy in error detection. This study examines its advantages, challenges and impact on the auditor's role, highlighting the need to acquire new technological competencies and redefine the professional function. Through a qualitative approach, a literature review was conducted to identify the associated benefits, such as the ability to audit 100% of transactions and free auditors for higher value-added activities. However, the risks of excessive reliance on technology and information overload, which could negatively affect critical judgment, are cautioned. For a successful implementation, it is recommended to integrate automation in a phased manner, manage technology risks through adequate controls, and ensure continuous training of staff. Constant monitoring and adjustment of automated systems is essential to ensure their effectiveness in an environment of constant regulatory change. In conclusion, automation presents a unique opportunity to modernize auditing, but it requires a comprehensive approach that balances technological innovation with professional judgment.

Assessing Supply-Side Determinants of Passenger Satisfaction in Long-Distance Expressway Bus Services in Sri Lanka: A Case Study of Southern Expressway

The transportation sector plays a vital role in fostering economic growth, societal connectivity, and individual mobility. Long-distance bus services have emerged as a prominent mode of transportation, offering an efficient and cost-effective means of travel for both urban and intercity commuters. This study aims to comprehensively assess and elucidate the supply-side determinants that significantly impact passenger satisfaction with long-distance expressway bus service in Sri Lanka. To ensure the collection of detailed and relevant insights from frequent users of the Southern Expressway's long-distance bus services, a purposive sampling technique was employed. Data collection was guided by variables identified in the literature review, and exploratory factor analysis was used to analyse the sample data. The study identified six salient supply-side factors affecting passenger satisfaction: service quality, comfort, accessibility and convenience, safety and security, cost, and customer service. These factors explained 74% of the total variance, with service quality being the most influential, accounting for 18% of the total variance. The findings recommend upgrading the bus fleet, maintaining cleanliness, optimizing scheduling, enhancing reservation systems, implementing staff training, improving safety measures, ensuring fair pricing, enhancing customer service, raising passenger awareness, and encouraging innovation to improve expressway bus services, attract more passengers, and build a reliable public transport system.

Identifying predictors of malingering in psychiatric emergency room settings and evaluating intervention strategies to reduce unnecessary er utilization. Literature review

Malingering in psychiatric emergency room (ER) settings presents a significant challenge, leading to unnecessary healthcare resource utilization and potentially compromising patient care. This literature review examines predictors of malingering and evaluates intervention strategies aimed at reducing unnecessary ER visits. The review identifies a range of predictors, including demographic factors, clinical presentations, historical elements, and motivational aspects, that may indicate malingering. Tools such as structured interviews, validity scales, and behavioral observations are highlighted for their effectiveness in identifying malingering behaviors in psychiatric ERs. The review also explores various intervention strategies, including early identification protocols, staff training programs, and collaborative care models, which have shown promise in mitigating the impact of malingering on healthcare systems. These strategies are important in ensuring that resources are appropriately allocated while maintaining high standards of patient care. However, ethical considerations, particularly the balance between detecting malingering and providing genuine patient care, remain critical challenges. Addressing these issues is essential for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency psychiatric care and ensuring that patients receive appropriate and timely care.

Post-project financial auditing as a continuous improvement tool for SMEs

Post-project financial auditing is a critical tool for ensuring transparency, accountability, and financial accuracy within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). As SMEs navigate project-based operations, it is essential to assess the financial outcomes of completed projects to inform future decision-making and resource allocation. This review explores the role of post-project financial auditing as a continuous improvement tool in SMEs, highlighting its ability to enhance financial discipline, improve cost control, and promote long-term financial sustainability. By examining key aspects of project revenues, expenditures, and profitability, post-project financial audits provide insights into financial performance that are essential for strategic planning. These audits help identify budget deviations, resource misallocations, and cost inefficiencies, enabling SMEs to adjust future financial planning and project management practices. In doing so, audits contribute to refining budgeting processes, promoting data-driven decision-making, and reducing financial risks in subsequent projects. The review also emphasizes the benefits of post-project auditing in fostering a culture of financial responsibility within SMEs. Through the audit process, SMEs can strengthen internal controls, monitor compliance with financial regulations, and ensure that project outcomes align with organizational financial goals. Additionally, the integration of audit findings into future financial strategies enables SMEs to continuously improve their profitability, mitigate risks, and enhance overall financial stability. Despite the clear advantages, challenges such as resource constraints, data management issues, and limited audit expertise can hinder the adoption of post-project audits in SMEs. The review offers practical recommendations to address these challenges, advocating for the use of scalable audit frameworks, digital tools, and ongoing staff training to support effective auditing practices. Ultimately, post-project financial auditing represents a vital mechanism for driving continuous improvement and ensuring the financial resilience of SMEs in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

Transitioning an implementation research intervention to a sustained clinical service: Telehealth primary care mental health integration implementation in Veterans Health Administration.

Often in implementation science efforts, an intervention originated by research funding does not continue in clinical practice after funding ends, or if it does, the process by which it was sustained remains known only to the implementation research or clinical teams. From 2018 to 2020, we implemented a complex telehealth interdisciplinary behavioral health program supported by research funding. The intervention was Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PCMHI) delivered via televideo from a large parent medical facility to rural satellite clinics (tele-PCMHI) within the Veterans Health Administration. Two implementation facilitators worked closely with clinical leaders and staff to plan, launch, and sustain tele-PCMHI across four sites. The intervention is still maintained by the clinical service and has spread to eight sites. Based on ethnographic and qualitative data collected weekly over 2 years, we categorized sustainment strategies across distinct time periods for this complex program, theoretically grounded in the Dynamic Sustainability Framework, emphasizing changes to adapt intervention fit to rapidly changing context. To contextualize, we identified barriers and strengths, such as difficulty training staff to use new equipment, restructuring clinic workflow, and determining suicide risk management remotely. New barriers arose, and, thus, new strategies were needed to continue implementing at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Different strategies at different stages of implementation allowed sustainment to be a dynamic and evolving process. Plus, proactive and persistent planning for sustainment early in the effort, along with alignment with performance metrics and national policy, supported continued delivery in real-world organized care. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Vestibular Assessment In Patients With Self-Reported Dizziness And A History Of Falls

Abstract Background World Falls Guidelines recommend that any patient with a history of falls and reporting dizziness should be screened for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) (Montero-Odasso et al.,2022). Diagnosing and treating BPPV in particular has been shown to reduce the incidence of falls in older adults, however, it is widely underdiagnosed (Li et al., 2023). This audit explored compliance with falls guidelines in a day hospital setting where falls work up assessments take place on older patients (75 years and older). It aimed to identify reasons why vestibular assessments may not have been undertaken and establish methods to improve compliance with the undertaking of vestibular assessments where indicated. Methods A retrospective chart was undertaken for patients who attended a day hospital service for older adults between January and April 2023. A Microsoft excel sheet was used to track data. All data was anonymised and stored on a password encrypted HSE networked drive accessed in the day hospital. Results A total of 97 charts were reviewed, with 31 patients reporting to have experienced dizziness with falls. For 33% of those patients (n=10), a vestibular screen was not carried out. For 7 out of 10 of these patients a screen was not carried out due to insufficient staff training in the area, with one patient not having been referred to physiotherapy, also secondary to insufficient staff training. Conclusion Facilitating adequate access to training in vestibular rehab for healthcare professionals is an essential part of ensuring BPPV and other vestibular disorders are diagnosed and treated in patients with self-reported dizziness and falls. Training as part of undergraduate degrees could be considered to ensure BPPV is diagnosed and treated in a timely manner. Additional staff training was provided in the day hospital setting in question and a re-audit of vestibular screening will take place in summer 2024.

Results From A Snapshot Survey Of Delirium Prevalence, Detection And Care In Hospitals In Ireland On World Delirium Awareness Day

Abstract Background Delirium, an acute encephalopathy characterized by acute onset, fluctuation, and attention deficits, is associated with increased mortality and morbidity, and with precipitation or worsening of dementia. Thus, delirium prevention, timely detection, and appropriate management are crucial. Methods On World Delirium Awareness Day (15th March 2023), a global survey was assessed delirium prevalence and care. A senior clinical staff member on each participating ward reported on delirium prevalence at 8AM and 8PM, and on usual ward practice; data was entered into an online survey by a data collector (typically an on-site clinician, visiting several wards to record data). This study reports data from Irish hospitals. Results In total, 132 wards from 15 hospitals across Ireland participated. Delirium prevalence, using a formal assessment tool, was 15.9% across all wards, highest in geriatric wards (20.5%). However, on wards where 'personal judgment' to detect delirium was utilized, the prevalence rate was 11.5%, implying that delirium may be missed on these wards. Intensive care units (76.2%), geriatric wards (70%), and Emergency Departments/Acute Medical Units (ED/AMUA; 66.7%) had the highest rate of written delirium protocols. Similarly, staff training (51.5% overall), was highest in ED/AMAU (88.9%), followed by general surgical (66.7%), and geriatrics wards (60%). In contrast, only 30.8% (4/13) of non-acute wards had provided staff with delirium training in the preceding year. Having at least one training session in the preceding year was associated with higher use of formal delirium tools (18.8% versus 60.3%). Wards reported staff training/educating as the main care improvement priority; 72.7% of wards identified lack of time to train staff as a key barrier. Conclusion Delirium is prevalent in Irish hospitals and appears under-detected without formal screening. Training staff in delirium-related skills, including the use of simple screening tools for delirium detection and causation, could be paramount to improving patient outcomes.

Modern Drip Irrigation Technology on Tomato and Head Cabbage Production and Its Economic Feasibility at Misrak Silti District, Siltie Zone, Ethiopia

In Ethiopia various techniques were applied to improve on-farm irrigation water management under surface irrigation, especially on furrow irrigation system for last many years, however, it was very difficult to achieve threshold limit of water use efficiency, wisely use of scarce water resources in irrigated field, crop water productivity, precisely controlled application of irrigation water to plant roots, uniform water delivery to all plants, crop yield and its quality, regulate flow, deliver optimum crop water requirement, field water losses, groundwater withdrawal and save labor. It is great practical significance and series of measures using drip irrigation system to solve mentioned problems in irrigated field, because the irrigated agriculture is largest water-consuming sector in this area. This study was aimed to demonstrate drip irrigation technology, prove its economic feasibility and create skills of farmers and extension experts on implementation of the drip system on tomato (Galila 555) and head cabbage (Copen Hagen) productions within groundwater source area on Balo koriso main station in Misrak Silti woreda, Siltie zone, southern Ethiopia. The activity was done for four consecutive years (2019 to 2022 G. C) on fixed plot of 2500 square meter area in collaboration with Agricultural Research Institute and Techno serve project. During demonstration all the costs were considered to economic feasibility including initial investment cost. The study found that the use of drip irrigation saved 3690 m&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;3&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;/ha of water compared with use of furrow irrigation. This saved water may irrigate additional 2ha area of land by drip irrigation. This study also revealed that, a net income of 313066.04 ETB/ha in single irrigation season was obtained using modern drip irrigation technology. The farmers and local experts recognized noticeable saving water, fuel cost, irrigating time and labour, good crop performance from demonstrated drip irrigation system and shown interest to use the technology abundantly. Therefore, scaling up locally manageable drip irrigation system around the study area through comprehensive training of farmers and supportive staffs and allowing sufficient local market for drip kits and incentives or loan will be economically feasible and affordable to increase income and saves irrigation water.

Communicating, Eating And Drinking With Dementia

Abstract Background Problems with eating and drinking can put patients at risk of malnutrition. Hospitalised patients with dementia are at a higher risk for eating/drinking difficulties and inadequate food/fluid intake. Dysphagia in dementia can contribute to malnutrition, dehydration, weight loss, choking episodes, repeat chest infections, pneumonia, and recurrent hospitalisations - all of which can cause strain on relationships between the person with dementia and carers. Where communication (and eating/drinking/swallowing) are impacted, the person with dementia can experience a decrease in quality of life, wellbeing, sense of personhood, and quality of relationships. Direct training and indirect feeding support for care staff results in fewer mealtime difficulties, more time spent assisting at mealtimes, and a positive changes in staff attitudes towards assisting in mealtimes for people with dementia. Using observational instruments to identify eating/drinking difficulties can lead to a positive influence for staff knowledge and skills to support patients/residents. Methods Create a Departmental Information Leaflet on “Communicating, Eating and Drnking with Dementia” for staff, visitors, service users, and their families.Select a tool to be used by nursing staff to better inform on behaviours around eating and drinking with dementia (Edinburgh Feeding Evaluation in Dementia Scale (EdFED-Q)).Create a training Powerpoint for Staff on “Communicating, Eating and Drnking with Dementia” and using the EdFED-Q tool. Results Departmental Information leaflet created.Selection of the EdFED-Q tool.Training programme for nursing staff developed on Communicating, Eating and Drnking with Dementia and using the EdFED-Q tool. Conclusion As outlined in the Irish National Dementia Strategy (2014), all people who provide care or interact with those with dementia should be trained and upskilled in working with and communicating with those with dementia. It is important to continue to develop our services and build on quality initiatives to do this.

Frequency of Blood Components Wastages and Related Factors in Fars Blood Transfusion Centers, Iran

Introduction: Blood component waste is an important issue in all blood transfusion centers. Therefore, reducing and managing these wastages are a major concern in blood transfusion centers. The present study examined the causes and frequency of blood product wastage in blood transfusion centers of Fars Province from 2015 to 2020. Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive and retrospective study, and the cause and frequency of red blood cell, platelet, plasma and cryoprecipitate wastage from 2015 to 2020 were evaluated. The data related to the blood product wastage were extracted from the comprehensive software of the Blood Transfusion Organization (Negareh). Then, it was analyzed using SPSS software version 25. Results: The total amount of waste was equal to 164981 units. The highest percentage of wastage of products was in 2015 (8.12%), 2016 (7.15 %) and 2017 (6.75 %), respectively. The most discarded products were whole blood, cryoprecipitate and platelet, respectively. Also, the leading causes of waste included positive screening test results, expiration date, contamination, blood group incompatibility, and abnormal and bloody color, respectively. Conclusion: The authors concluded that blood component wastage has a dropping pattern in this period. Proper management and continuous training of technical staff are important in reducing blood product wastage.

A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis Of The Perceptions And Experiences Of Animal Assisted Interventions For People Living With Dementia

Abstract Background Animal assisted intervention (AAI) is a popular type of non-pharmacological psychosocial intervention, which has a potentially positive effect on physical, psychological, and social functioning for people with dementia. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the experiences and factors of implementing AAI, and its impacts on people with dementia in different contexts. This review aims to synthesise key stakeholders’ experiences and perceptions of AAI for people with dementia in community settings. Methods We systematically searched Medline, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO and AgeLine for potentially eligible studies. Thematic analysis was used to synthesise the data from included records. We assessed the methodological limitations using an adaptation of the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) and used GRADE-CERQual (Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research) to assess confidence in the review findings. Two Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) contributors were involved to enhance the quality and relevance of the research. Results We included 14 reports and developed three analytical themes, incorporating a gardening analogy: planting-connecting with animals, growing-engaging in AAI, and nurturing-making AAI work, with 15 key findings. Our review highlights that positive experiences, growing connections, and potential benefits were perceived within AAI. A multicomponent AAI can provide various sensory inputs, attributing to a rich experience. Flexible and individualised AAI tailoring to people’s needs and preferences is important. Additional training and education for staff are necessary to facilitate the intervention, reduce risks, and nurture connections. Conclusion This review describes people’s experiences and perceptions of AAI for people with dementia, and provides recommendations on development and implementation of AAI, with moderate to high confidence in its findings. It is important to consider the factors that influence the implementing AAI identified in this review, to facilitate engagement and long-term impacts in future interventions.

Developing An Online Course To Increase Staff Awareness And Responses To Unwanted And Illegal Sexual Behaviour Perpetrated Against Older People

Abstract Background The idea that older people can be victims of unwanted sexual behaviour or sexual assault in health and social care settings is relatively recent. In the Irish context, 165 reports of sexual abuse of older people were made to the HSE National Safeguarding and Protection teams in 2022. The prevalence of sexual abuse against older people in health and social care settings is poorly understood and there is an acknowledgement that hospital staff require additional training to understand and manage incidents. Methods In response to the need for training and support for staff, an online awareness-raising course based on a pre-developed course from Australia ‘Preventing unwanted sexual behaviour against older people in health and social care settings’ will be adapted, trialled and tested in a large acute teaching hospital. This course sets out to support acute care staff to identify and manage incidents of sexualised behaviour, to seek expert help and to ensure that older people are protected from unwanted and at times, what may constitute illegal sexual behaviour. Results The adapted course ‘Understanding and Responding to Unwanted or Illegal Sexual Behaviour Perpetrated against Older People in Health and Social Care Settings’ utilises a trauma-informed lens and key themes covered include defining unwanted sexual behaviours, understanding older people and sexual behaviour, risk factors for sexual abuse, barriers to recognising and reporting abuse and managing incidents. Conclusion The ‘trial and test’ will involve a feedback survey (N=50 respondents) and focus groups with participating healthcare professionals from the hospital site informing further refinement of the course content in preparation for wider rollout and implementation across Ireland's health and social care settings.

Measurement of emerging neurocognitive and language skills in the HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) study

The HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) study, a multi-site prospective longitudinal cohort study, will examine human brain, cognitive, behavioral, social, and emotional development beginning prenatally and planned through early childhood. The study plans enrolling over 7000 families across 27 sites. This manuscript presents the measures from the Neurocognition and Language Workgroup. Constructs were selected for their importance in normative development, evidence for altered trajectories associated with environmental influences, and predictive validity for child outcomes. Evaluation of measures considered psychometric properties, brevity, and developmental and cultural appropriateness. Both performance measures and caregiver report were used wherever possible. A balance of norm-referenced global measures of development (e.g., Bayley Scales of Infant Development-4) and more specific laboratory measures (e.g., deferred imitation) are included in the HBCD study battery. Domains of assessment include sensory processing, visual-spatial reasoning, expressive and receptive language, executive function, memory, numeracy, adaptive behavior, and neuromotor. Strategies for staff training and quality control procedures, as well as anticipated measures to be added as the cohort ages, are reviewed. The HBCD study presents a unique opportunity to examine early brain and neurodevelopment in young children through a lens that accounts for prenatal exposures, health and socio-economic disparities.

Museums’ perspectives and actions regarding children with autism spectrum disorder participation and access

ABSTRACT This study aims to provide an overview of recent advancements in museum strategies and practices, as well as an assessment of how well they meet the requirements of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In this context, the researchers conducted a quantitative survey using questionnaires in Attica's museums. According to the research's main findings, many museum employees lack formal knowledge or training related to ASD. Nevertheless, they are firmly in favor of such training. Attica museums lack programs or activities specifically designed for individuals with autism. Few museums in Attica have the resources and infrastructure needed to be deemed accessible to those with ASD; however, they emphasized that they are very affirmative about changes. The utmost obstacles to accessibility and inclusivity for people with ASD, according to the research, are inadequate planning, a lack of infrastructure and finance, and a lack of trained staff.